Learn a few tips to help prevent daylight saving time (DST) negative impacts on your body. By making just a few changes to your routine, you will be able to create maximum benefits for your health.
Slow and easy does the trick
Study results say it’s best to adjust slowly to DST through advance preparation. Do this by making slight changes to the time you go to sleep and wake up. Applying this change two weeks in advance of DST will be enough to help your body adjust in a healthy way.
Switch off phones, computers and notepads 2 hours before your new bedtime. This helps your mind to relax and prepare for rest. A disciplined reduction in how much coffee you consume will be highly beneficial to your commitment to change your routine.
Potential nasty effects if you don’t make sleep time changes
The consequences of losing just 1 hour of sleep can have disastrous health effects. Studies show that when you don’t ease into this change, the risk of nasty side effects increases. Road accident frequency increases. Stroke and heart attack risk also increase up to a week after DST has begun.
For those already taking medication, mood alterations may be expected. Others vulnerable to negative change are those with mental conditions, teenagers and children whose bedtimes have not been altered as suggested. The best advice is to make a family commitment and stick to it when preparing for DST.